Near Centreville in Amite County, Mississippi — The American South (East South Central)

Bethany Presbyterian Church

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, March 10, 2024

1. Bethany Presbyterian Church Marker

Inscription. [Top plaque] This property has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places by the United States Department of the Interior

[Bottom plaque]
Bethany Presbyterian Church Organized in 1808, Bethany Presbyterian Church is called the “Mother of Churches.” One of the oldest Presbyterian churches in the lower Mississippi River Valley, the present church was rebuilt around 1855 after a fire destroyed the previous building. The Greek Revival gabling is reflective of the architectural style of the 19th century. Session minutes dating from 1818 detail the church's rich history and provide a unique snapshot of the history of Amite County.

1808 – PCUSA • 1861 – PCCSA (PCUS) • 1973 –PCA

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Religion & Religious Structures. In addition, it is included in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1808.

Location. 31° 6.128′ N, 90° 59.181′ W. Marker is near Centreville, Mississippi, in Amite County. It is on Perry Road north of Ewell Road, on the left when traveling

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north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 3037 Perry Rd, Centreville MS 39631, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Southwest Mississippi. It is also in the American South

and specifically in the Deep South.

Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 11 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Centreville (approx. 3.3 miles away); Anne Moody (approx. 4.8 miles away); Camp Van Dorn (approx. 5.4 miles away); Midway Methodist Church (approx. 5.6 miles away); Gloster (approx. 6.9 miles away); a different marker also named Anne Moody (approx. 9.9 miles away); Liberty Missionary Baptist Church (approx. 11 miles away); Amite County Veterans Memorial (approx. 11.1 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Centreville.

Regarding Bethany Presbyterian Church. Excerpt

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, March 10, 2024

2. Bethany Presbyterian Church Marker

from the National Register nomination:

Bethany Presbyterian Church is notable for its high degree of architectural integrity. It retains all four of its original sets of Greek Revival double-leaf doors with transoms. The interior retains its simple plank wall and ceiling, and the original pews remain in use. The church stands today as an exceptionally well preserved example of antebellum vernacular religious architecture in Mississippi.

The congregation of Bethany Presbyterian Church was founded in 1808. The present structure is the third building on this site.

According to the Presbyterian Church in America Historical Center, Bethany is the oldest Mississippi church in the PCA and 28th oldest in the country.

Also see . . . Bethany Presbyterian Church (PDF). National Register nomination for the church, which was listed in 2003. (Prepared by Richard J. Cawthon; via Mississippi Department of Archives and History) (Submitted on March 19, 2024, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

Credits. This page was last revised on March 19, 2024. It was originally submitted on March 19, 2024, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 751 times since then and 77 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 19, 2024, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.